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last wk.

Ann Li Stuns Top Seed Sabalenka in Wuhan

Li’s comeback win reshapes the Wuhan draw and tightens the fight for the final WTA Finals qualification spot.

Tennis - WTA 1000 - Wuhan Open - Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China - October 12, 2025 Coco Gauff of the U.S. poses with the trophy and team after winning the final against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
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Overview

  • Ann Li beat top seed Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, rallying to a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) victory after converting her 10th match point in a deciding tiebreak.
  • Sabalenka played with visible tape on her right knee and took a medical timeout in the third set, and the loss extends her title drought since the Sunshine Double.
  • Second seed Jessica Pegula was upset by Jelena Ostapenko after wasting three match points, removing another top name from Wuhan’s late draw.
  • Iga Swiatek advanced to the round of 16 and, according to OptaAce, recorded her 149th WTA 1000 win, passing Serena Williams on that event win list as she pursues one of the last WTA Finals places.
  • With recent withdrawals from Beijing and these upsets, lower-ranked players such as Janice Tjen now face clearer paths deep into Wuhan, a shift that could change year-end points and the single remaining WTA Finals berth.